Plants for life: medicinal plant conservation and botanic gardens

Medicinal plants harvested from the wild remain of immense importance for the well-being of millions of people around the world. Providing both a relief from illness and a source of income, over 70,000 plant species are thought to be medicinal. Loss of habitat combined with over-harvesting threatens the survival of many of these plant species. Botanic gardens are important agencies for ensuring their conservation. This report draws on a questionnaire survey of botanic gardens, experts and conservation organisations worldwide. This report compares the need for conservation of the world